Annoying: intermittent interior light activation

[GazM3]

Not first world problem but have annoying issue with the interior light turning on and the door open warning on the dash. Can disconnect the gong and turn the light off but still get the dash warning. Looks like the sensor is on the door latch. Where do I start ?

[bluptgm3]

I don’t know what MY or Model you have but typically this condition is caused by a worn door latch catch plastic covering. The worn catch is not holding the door latch firmly against the (door is ajar) micro switch in the catch.
Temporary repairs can be accomplished by wrapping the catch with a zip tie (on E36 hopefully E34 are similar)

edit: E34 uses same p/n as E36, p/n 51218105511.

https://m.eeuroparts.com/Parts/11343...t-51218105511/

Use you VIN in www.realoem.com to find the correct parts.
Here is a representative image, you are looking for #7 -
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=41_0816


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[BlackSpeed66]

Yep likely the door switch/catch on the pillar post. New one was pretty cheap from the dealer.

Only thing to watch out for when replacing is that there is a threaded backing plate inside the pillar. Be gentle when undoing the bolts and pull the wire through the hole to keep the plate in place. Otherwise it’ll fall down into the pillar. I used a magnet to help me keep it aligned.

[GazM3]

Cheers guys. I’ll have a look and report back

[GazM3]

Cable tie seems to have fixed it. Will get a new drivers door lock clasp as no dobut the cable tie will wear off. Thanks again.

[ross1]

I have a whole bunch of good used ones if don't care to spend for new. PM if this interests you
EDIT: I see you are a bit away from here, shipping is probably a killer but I've heard you guys in OZ get hosed hard on parts so who knows. Happy to help if it makes sense.

[fo3]

Cable tie seems to have fixed it. Will get a new drivers door lock clasp as no dobut the cable tie will wear off. Thanks again.

Is the door aligned and shutting properly?
I can't see how the door couldn't activate the switch if a cable tie could?

I've had to play around a bit with mine recently (wiring to that switch), as I have an aftermarket alarm that needed new remotes and the original alarm installers didn't wire in any door switches. I had to wire in a door switch because the "door open" signal was necessary to get into alarm remote programming state, so I needed to take the b pillar cover off and ground to that brown/grey/yellow wire for that switch in the door.

[bluptgm3]

Is the door aligned and shutting properly?
I can't see how the door couldn't activate the switch if a cable tie could?

Generally, these ‘rattle’ due to wear of the plastic covering on the catch. The zip-tie ‘replicates’ the missing plastic covering, tightening the fit, forcing the door further closed causing contact of the pawl to micro-switch.



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[GazM3]

Thanks for the offer. Pricing should be moderate as yes delivery from USA to Australia seems to be about 4x the price of Europe for some reason. Always has been